Location: 10970 127 St.
Number of Plots: 17
Plot Sizes: 14’ x 4’ / 7’ x 4’
Current Garden Area: 30’ x 50’
Planned Expansion of Garden Area: 30’ x 150’
Gardening Style: raised beds; lasagna method; organic
Number of Members: 17 adults; about 60 kids
Waiting List: (May 2011) 12 of the remaining 33 plots to be built are reserved
Fee: $35.00/year
Contact the garden through their website or email: wvg.wcl@gmail.com.
History
The concept of a community garden in Westmount was initiated by a core group of enthusiastic people determined to plant in the summer of 2010 come rain, snow, sleet or hail. The Garden Committee held its first official meeting in April 2010. In mid June, permission to start the garden was granted, funding came through, and members sprang into action collecting materials for building and filling 17 raised beds and getting a rudimentary water system in place. That fall, members harvested a variety of herbs, potatoes, squash and peppers.
Our overriding aim is to create an organic gardening space that will continually evolve to meet the needs of a growing number of participants with various needs.
The garden is operated under the Westmount Community League and is partnered with the Community Eco Garden initiative, the Transition Town initiative, as well as other community leaders.
Goals
· Cultivate community engagement
· Create a new and valuable asset in Westmount community
· Promote resource-sharing and gardening knowledge among garden members and the community
· Support the movement of growing food locally in Edmonton
· Support organic gardening
Successes
Members were able to plant and harvest in 2010, our first year, despite our late start in the growing season—a tribute to members’ optimism and perseverance.
A number of open-house information and fundraising events were well attended and supported by the families of Westmount Community.
Challenges, Needs and Barriers
Being a new community garden, raising funds to move forward will be a constant challenge. We need to expand our water system. We want to build a “dream garden shed,” lay down pathways of crushed limestone between the plots, and grow a natural fence around the garden that is functional, yet aesthetically inviting.
Immediate Goals
Build a garden shed and lay down pathways between the plots.
Construct and fill all plots for Phase II in time for the 2012 planting season.
updated 5/27/11
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